"Particularly given the name of the team is the Stars. But I think the other element probably precludes (him).

"We haven't spoken to him and I don't think anyone has, to be perfectly honest, because of the situation last year with Mel McLaughlin."

With two Stars matches remaining this season, McGuire broke his silence on his breakfast radio program, saying: "We've had a shocking year."

The Stars will have a new-look top order next season after the delisting of opener Luke Wright and retirement of No.3 Pietersen.

Contracts for another four players are set to expire after this season.

Cooper said there would be "substantial change" to the list but ruled out chasing marquee names for the sake of it.

"The game is a lot more tactical than that," Cooper said on RSN927.

"If you're going to go and just get the next big star that's out there that doesn't suit the game style or the way the team actually needs to play, or wants to play, you're shooting yourself in the foot.

"We won't be doing that."

Low-profile Afghanis Mohammad Nabi (Renegades) and Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers) have been among the most damaging imports this season.